Tykee Smith
Last season, Tykee Smith posted two interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in six game starts (13 games played). He primarily served as the Bucs' nickel back last season and showcased his proficiency at jumping routes and manning the middle of the field. Throughout the 2025 offseason, Smith has cross-trained at strong safety and nickel in Todd Bowles' complex system. At training camp, Smith will vie for the starting gig next to Antoine Winfield Jr. Smith plays with outstanding short-area burst and has a quick trigger downhill on blitzes. The tenacious tackler pairs stellar react skills with a high football IQ. Much is asked of players in Bowles' defense, specifically defensive backs, with various fire zones (five-man pressure, six defenders drop into a zone coverage) and a multitude of coverages. Smith handled both nickel and strong safety duties in the box at Georgia and made a smooth transition in 2024. He will be one to watch on the practice fields during 11-on-11 versus receivers and running backs.
Emeka Egbuka
On Day One of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers selected Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick, when most pundits had the Bucs taking a defensive player. As a three-year starter for the Buckeyes, Egbuka primarily lined up in the slot. He concluded his collegiate tenure with the most receptions in Ohio State history (205) and the second most receiving yards. Egbuka has an exceptional feel for coverage voids and how to bait defenders at the break point with subtle fakes. His ball tracking ability and route-running precision were on display during minicamp, and training camp will provide insight on his new role in Josh Grizzard's offense. Several players will be battling for spots behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, including Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson, in addition to Egbuka. The No. 3 spot on the depth chart is up for grabs and this could be Egbuka's opportunity to emerge.
"[He is the] total package," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. "He's a playmaker, he can play all three positions – he plays in the slot, he plays the 'Z,' he plays the 'X,' he can run with the ball, he can throw the ball, he can catch the ball, he's a very good route runner, he's a winner, he makes contested catches, he's a very precise route runner as well, has a lot of speed at the same time, he blocks at the same time…He checks all of the boxes as a player and as a person. That made it an easy choice."
View the best photos from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' final day of 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center on June 12, 2025.
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Haason Reddick #5 and Safeties Coach Nick Rapone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Linebacker Anthony Walker #3 and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 and Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Safeties Coach Nick Rapone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Tackle Garret Greenfield #74 and Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Desmond Watson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Desmond Watson #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Linebacker Anthony Walker #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Linebacker Anthony Walker #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Linebacker Nick Jackson #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Inside Linebackers Coach Mike Caldwell and Run Game Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Run Game Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Defensive Quality Control Coach Joey Fitzgerald, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91, Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95, Defensive Lineman Dvon J-Thomas #73, Defensive Lineman Adam Gotsis #97, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90, Defensive Lineman Desmond Watson #56, Defensive Lineman Nash Hutmacher #64, Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Defensive Line Coach Charlie Strong of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 and Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Linebacker Deion Jones #45 and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Captain Fear and Bucco Bruce during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Captain Fear and Bucco Bruce during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Captain Fear during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Captain Fear and Bucco Bruce during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Captain Fear and Bucco Bruce during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 12, 2025 - Safety Shilo Sanders #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Captain Fear during 2025 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anthony Walker Jr.
The Buccaneers signed Anthony Walker Jr. in March following the departure of K.J. Britt. Walker reunited with Lavonte David, his longtime friend and training partner during the offseason. Throughout his career, Walker has started 83 of 99 games, splitting time between the Colts (2017-20), Browns (2021-23) and Dolphins (2024). He has tallied 571 career tackles (26 for loss), 21 passes defensed, nine quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He appeared in 14 games for the Dolphins in 2024 (eight starts) and totaled 66 tackles, two passes defensed and 1.0 sack. Walker is an instinctive downhill runner and plays with elite awareness. He is adept at mitigating screens and hitches and brings experience alongside David to the middle of the Bucs' defense. Whether blitzing, dropping into coverage or stopping the run, Walker will be one to watch at the second level of Bowles' unit.
"On every team, the linebacker room is the quarterback of the defense so that's our standard every day," stated Walker. "We have to be that group. We have to lead this team. Obviously, we have guys everywhere on this team that make plays and all that but we have to be the best group on the field for us to get to where we want to be."
Haason Reddick
To boost the pass rush, the Bucs brought in Haason Reddick during free agency. Reddick, one of the league's most dominant edge rushers of the last decade, has compiled an impressive resumé. The inside linebacker-turned edge has accumulated 419 tackles (71 for loss), 102 quarterback hits, 59.0 sacks (14 strip sacks), 20 passes defensed, 18 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 124 career games (83 starts) between the Cardinals, Panthers, Eagles and Jets. Dating back to 2020, Reddick has produced four seasons with double-digit sacks, tied for the second-most in the league during that span, trailing only Myles Garrett (five). With tremendous burst off the edge and change-of-direction skills, Reddick is poised to make an impact for Tampa Bay. He has mastered the art of punching the ball out of the quarterback's hands and has outstanding pursuit skills. If he catches tackles leaning or is blocked with a tight end chip, Reddick takes advantage. He will compete on the practice fields alongside Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Chris Braswell, David Walker, Jose Ramirez and Markees Watts. Reddick has the potential to reinvigorate the Bucs' pass rush in 2025, and training camp provides the first lens into his prowess in the trenches.
Charlie Heck
Bucs' stalwart left tackle Tristan Wirfs underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee and is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. Wirfs, arguably the best left tackle in the game and the anchor of Tampa Bay's offensive line, leaves a vacancy on the line that has to be filled. Charlie Heck, a veteran offseason acquisition, will compete for the spot next to left guard Ben Bredeson. Heck has appeared in 50 career games, making 23 starts, between the Texans (2020-23), Cardinals (2024) and 49ers (2024). Heck has predominately played right tackle in his career – logging 1,334 snaps there. He saw most of his action at left tackle in 2024, taking 80 snaps on the left compared to 25 snaps at right tackle. Over the last three seasons, Heck has yielded just two sacks across 311 pass blocking snaps. Training camp will provide pivotal reps for the Bucs' front five to generate continuity before the start of the regular season when live bullets start flying. Heck will be one to watch during one-on-one pass rush drills as he faces Diaby and Reddick.
